Oximeter Device with Replaceable Probe Tip

ABSTRACT

An oximeter device has a replaceable probe tip. The probe tip can be removed or detached from the probe unit and discarded. A replacement probe tip can be attached to the probe tip. The replaceable probe tip allows the probe unit to be reused many times, each time with new sterile probe tip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application15/493,132, filed Apr. 20, 2017, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,722,158 onJul. 28, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent applications62/363,562, filed Jul. 18, 2016; 62/326,630, 62/326,644, and 62/326,673,filed Apr. 22, 2016; and 62/325,403, 62/325,413, and 62/325,416, filedApr. 20, 2016. These applications are incorporated by reference alongwith all other references cited in these applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compact, handheld tissue oximeters,that include sources and detectors located on detachable, replaceableprobe tips.

Oximeters are medical devices used to measure oxygen saturation oftissue in humans and living things for various purposes. For example,oximeters are used for medical and diagnostic purposes in hospitals andother medical facilities (e.g., operating rooms for surgery, recoveryroom for patient monitoring, or ambulance or other mobile monitoringfor, e.g., hypoxia); sports and athletic purposes at a sports arena(e.g., professional athlete monitoring); personal or at-home monitoringof individuals (e.g., general health monitoring, or person training for,such as a marathon); and veterinary purposes (e.g., animal monitoring).

In particular, accessing a patient's oxygen saturation, at both theregional and local level, is important as it is an indicator of thestate of the patient's health. Thus, oximeters are often used inclinical settings, such as during surgery and recovery, where it can besuspected that the patient's tissue oxygenation state is unstable. Forexample, during surgery, oximeters should be able to quickly deliveraccurate oxygen saturation measurements under a variety of non-idealconditions. While existing oximeters have been sufficient forpost-operative tissue monitoring where absolute accuracy is not criticaland trending data alone is sufficient, accuracy is, however, requiredduring surgery in which spot-checking can be used to determine whethertissue can remain viable or needs to be removed.

Pulse oximeters and tissue oximeters are two types of oximeters thatoperate on different principles. A pulse oximeter requires a pulse inorder to function. A pulse oximeter typically measures the absorbance oflight due to pulsing arterial blood. In contrast, a tissue oximeter doesnot require a pulse in order to function, and can be used to make oxygensaturation measurements of a tissue flap that has been disconnected froma blood supply.

Human tissue, as an example, includes a variety of light-absorbingmolecules. Such chromophores include oxygenated and deoxygenatedhemoglobins, melanin, water, lipid, and cytochrome. Oxygenated anddeoxygenated hemoglobins are the most dominant chromophores in tissuefor much of the visible and near-infrared spectral range. Lightabsorption differs significantly for oxygenated and deoxygenatedhemoglobins at certain wavelengths of light. Tissue oximeters canmeasure oxygen levels in human tissue by exploiting theselight-absorption differences.

Despite the success of existing oximeters, there is a continuing desireto improve oximeters by, for example, reducing cost of use and reuse.Therefore, there is a need for an improved tissue oximetry devices andmethods of making measurements using these devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A wireless, handheld tissue oximeter is provided that has a probe unitand a detachable, replaceable probe tip that is detachable from theprobe unit. The probe unit and probe tip operate as a tissue oximeterwhen coupled.

The probe tip contacts patient tissue when used and can potentially becontaminated with patient tissue or fluid while the probe unit does notcome in contact with the patient. The probe tip and any contamination onthe probe tip can be removed from the probe unit and replaced with adifferent probe tip, such as a new clean probe tip or a new sterileprobe tip. Removal of the potentially contaminated probe tip allows forthe probe unit's reuse.

The more expensive electronic, optical components or both can be locatedin the probe unit allowing for reuse of these expensive components andtherefore providing a cost savings with the reuse. Specifically, theprobe unit can include self-contained optics (sources and detectors),computer processing, a display, and a power-supply (battery). Theoximeter can be used in a surgical, sterile environment for spotmeasurements, or clean environments that are not necessarily sterile.

In an implementation, a tissue-oximeter system includes atissue-oximeter probe unit comprising: a handheld housing; a processorhoused in the handheld housing; a memory, housed in the handheldhousing, electronically coupled to the processor; a display, accessiblefrom an exterior of the handheld housing, electronically coupled to theprocessor; and a battery, housed in the handheld housing, coupled to andsupplies power to the processor, the memory, and the display. Thehandheld housing includes a first connector having a lip distallypositioned from the display.

The tissue-oximeter system includes a first probe tip comprising a firstplurality of source structures having a first source structurearrangement; a first plurality of detector structures having a firstdetector structure arrangement; and a second connector having a topedge. The lip of the first connector abuts the top edge of the secondconnector when the first probe tip is removably coupled to the handheldhousing.

In an implementation, a method includes providing a handheld oximeterhousing; providing a processor housed in the handheld oximeter housing;providing a memory, housed in the handheld oximeter housing,electronically coupled to the processor; providing a display, accessiblefrom an exterior of the handheld oximeter housing, electronicallycoupled to the processor; providing a battery, housed in the handheldoximeter housing; and allowing for the battery to supply power to theprocessor, the memory, and the display. A first connector is proved onthe handheld oximeter housing having a lip that is distally positionedfrom the display on the handheld oximeter housing.

The method includes providing a first probe tip; providing a firstplurality of source structures on a face of the first probe tip, whereinthe first plurality of source structures has a first source structurearrangement; and providing a first plurality of detector structures onthe face of the fist probe tip. The first plurality of detectorstructures has a first detector structure arrangement. A secondconnector is provided on a top edge of the first probe tip.

The method includes allowing for removably coupling the first probe tipto the handheld oximeter housing via coupling the first connector to thesecond connector; and allowing for the lip of the first connector toabut the top edge of the second connector.

In an implementation, a method includes providing a handheld oximeterhousing; providing a processor housed in the handheld oximeter housing;providing a memory, housed in the handheld oximeter housing,electronically coupled to the processor; providing a display, accessiblefrom an exterior of the handheld oximeter housing, electronicallycoupled to the processor; providing a battery, housed in the handheldoximeter housing; and allowing for the battery to supply power to theprocessor, the memory, and the display. A first connector is providedhaving a lip that is distally positioned from the display on thehandheld oximeter housing. A first probe tip is provided that includes asecond connector having a fist top edge.

The method includes coupling the first probe tip to the handheldoximeter housing via coupling the first connector to the secondconnector and contacting the lip of the first connector to abut thefirst top edge of the second connector.

A second probe tip is provides that has a third connector with a secondtop edge. The method includes replacing the first probe tip with thesecond probe tip by coupling the second probe tip to the handheldoximeter housing by coupling the first connector to the third connectorand contacting the lip of the first connector to abut the second topedge of the third connector. As such, the probe unit is reusable withthe second probe tip attached thereby saving costs with the reuse. Thefirst probe tip can be also be reused after being cleaned, sterilized,or both.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent upon consideration of the following detailed descriptionand the accompanying drawings, in which like reference designationsrepresent like features throughout the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a diagram of an oximeter prove having a probe unit and adetachable probe tip.

FIG. 1B shows a diagram of an oximeter prove having a probe unit and adetachable probe tip.

FIG. 1C shows a tip storage tray that includes a number of openings thatare adapted for storing a corresponding number of probe tips.

FIG. 1D show the probe tip coupled to the probe unit and shows theoximeter probe in use.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an oximeter probe that has a number ofelectronic components, such as the sources and detectors, located in theprobe unit and passive optical devices located in the probe tip.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an oximeter probe where the sources anddetectors are located in the probe tip while other electronic componentsare located in the probe unit.

FIGS. 4A-4B show a flow diagram for the operation of an oximeter probewhere optical signals are transferred between the probe unit and theprobe tip.

FIGS. 5A-5B show a flow diagram for the operation of an oximeter probewhere electrical signals and power are transferred between the probeunit and the probe tip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a wireless, handheld oximeterprove for measuring local (regional) tissue oxygen. The oximeter probehas a probe unit and probe tip that is detachable from the probe unit.

FIG. 1A shows a handheld oximeter probe 101. This oximeter probe is usedto make oxygen saturation measurement of target tissue. In animplementation, the oximeter probe is a tissue oximeter, but in otherimplementation, the oximeter probe can be a pulse oximeter.

Oximeter probe 101 has two portions, a probe unit 105 and probe tip 110,which can be detached from the probe unit and replaced with anotherreplacement probe tip. When the probe unit 105 and probe tip 110 areattached together, the oximeter probe operates as a standalone handheldoximeter, without the need to be attached by cabling to another unit.

The oximeter probe has a display 115 (e.g., an LCD display) and a button120. When the button is depressed, light is emitted at the probe tipinto a target tissue to be measured, and reflected light from the targettissue is received at the probe tip. From the received light, the probedetermines a measured oxygen saturation for the tissue. An indicator(e.g., a numerical value) for the measured oxygen saturation isdisplayed on the display.

The oximeter probe is shaped ergonomically to comfortably fit in auser's hand. During use, the probe is held in a user's hand between auser's thumb and fingers. The display faces generally upward (e.g., awayfrom the tissue being measured) within view of the user's eyes when aface of the probe (not shown) is directed away from the user and facestoward the target tissue to be measured.

The following patent applications describe various oximeter devices andoximetry operation, and discussion in the following applications can becombined with aspects of the invention described in this application, inany combination. The following patent application are incorporated byreference along with all references cited in these applications Ser. No.14/944,139, filed Nov. 17, 2015, Ser. No. 13/887,130 filed May 3, 2013,Ser. No. 15/163,565, filed May 24, 2016, Ser. No. 13/887,220, filed May3, 2013, Ser. No. 15/214,355, filed Jul. 19, 2016, Ser. No. 13/887,213,filed May 3, 2013, Ser. No. 14/977,578, filed Dec. 21, 2015, Ser. No.13/887,178, filed Jun. 7, 2013, Ser. No. 15/220,354, filed Jul. 26,2016, Ser. No. 13/965,156, filed Aug. 12, 2013, Ser. No. 15/359,570,filed Nov. 22, 2016, Ser. No. 13/887,152, filed May 3, 2013, Ser. No.29/561,749, filed Apr. 16, 2016, Nos. 61/642,389, 61/642,393,61/642,395, 61/642,399 filed May 3, 2012, and No. 61/682,146, filed Aug.10, 2012.

In an implementation, the probe tip slides onto the probe unit and canlock or snap into place on the probe unit. The probe tip has an openingthat receives a corresponding fitting of the probe unit for connectingthe probe tip to the probe unit. The probe tip opening has a firstdiameter or dimension that will fit over the corresponding fitting ofthe probe unit. The fitting of the probe unit has a second diameter ordimension that is less than the first diameter or dimension.

A user slides the probe unit onto the fitting of the probe unit untilthe probe tip is pushed against a ridge or lip 125 of the fitting, whichserves as a stop mechanism. The fitting can have one or more O-rings orother sealing mechanisms to help maintain a proper seal between theopening of the probe unit and the fitting of the probe tip to preventtissue and fluid from getting inside the assembled oximeter probe. Whenassembled, an outer surface of the probe tip will be flush with an outersurface of the probe unit.

This specific implementation has a specific attachment mechanism wherethe probe tip slides onto the probe unit. However, as can beappreciated, many other attachment mechanisms can be used instead or incombination. For example, the probe unit can have an opening that slidesonto a corresponding fitting of the probe tip. The attachment mechanismcan use a twist-on (e.g., twist-lock mechanism) or screw-on mechanism.The attachment mechanism can include a latch. For example, when theprobe tip is slid onto the probe unit, the latch locks the probe tipinto place. Then the latch can be depressed or otherwise unlatched,which allows the probe tip to be separated from the probe unit. Theattachment mechanism can have a shape (e.g., oval, elliptical,triangular, or other arbitrary shape) that allows the probe tip andprobe unit to be attached in one particular orientation. The attachmentmechanism can include a keying mechanism, such as one or more notches atspecific locations of the fitting, that allow the probe tip and probeunit to be attached in a particular orientation. The attachmentmechanism can include one or more connectors that securely hold thefirst and second housing together after the probe unit and probe tip aremated, such as detents, screws, one or more magnets, and othermechanisms.

FIG. 1B shows a handheld oximeter probe 201. This oximeter probe has aprobe tip 210 that is detachable from the probe unit 205. The detachableprobe tip can be replaced with the same probe tip or a different probetip. The probe unit includes an actuator 230 and a latch 240 that isactivated by the actuator. The latch latches to a receptacle on theprobe tip when the probe unit and probe tip are connected. When thelatch is coupled to the receptacle, the connection holds the probe tipon the probe unit and inhibits the probe tip from disconnecting from theprobe unit. Activation of the actuator sufficiently decouples the latchfrom the receptacle allowing from relatively easy removal of the probetip from the probe unit.

The actuators can include one or more of a variety of devices, such as abutton, a slider, a knob, a switch, or other device. The latch caninclude one or more of a variety of devices, such as a slider, a hook, amagnet, a detent element, a hook, or other device. The latch can bespring loaded by a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism places aspring force on the latch to couple to the latch to the receptacle. Theactuator when activated overcomes the spring force of the latchdecoupling the latch from the receptacle. The receptacle can be one moreof a detent element, an aperture, a hook, a magnet, or other device thatcouples to the latch.

In an implementation, the actuator and latch form a portion of the probetip, and the receptacle forms a portion of the probe unit. In anotherimplementation, the actuator is coupled to the receptacle for decouplingthe receptacle from the latch. In another implementation, the latch isaccessible from the surface of the probe unit or probe tip and isadapted to be pressed by a user to release the latch from thereceptacle.

The button can be activated by a user by one or more of a variety ofactions, such as being depressed, slid, or other manipulations. When thebutton is activated, the latch device uncouples from the receptacle andallows for the probe tip to be detached from the probe unit. Forexample, when the button is activated, the latch can be moved away fromthe receptacle unlatching the probe tip from the probe unit.

In an implementation, the probe unit includes two or more actuators andtwo or more latches, and the probe tip includes two or more receptacles.Alternatively, the probe tip includes the two or more actuators and thetwo or more latches, and the probe unit includes the two or morereceptacles. The actuators and latches can be positioned on oppositesides of the probe unit or probe tip, which allows the actuators to besimultaneously actuated (e.g., buttons pressed), for example, bypressing on the actuators with opposing fingers.

FIG. 1C shows a tip tray 260 that includes a number of openings that areadapted for storing a number of probe tips 210. The tip tray providesprotection to the probe tips during transport, storage, use, and afterusage.

The tip tray facilitates coupling and decoupling the probe tips to theprobe unit. Specifically, a probe tip can be removed from the tip trayby inserting the end of the probe unit into the base opening of theprobe tip where the latch latches to the probe tip. Thereafter, theprobe tip can be lifted from the tip tray by the probe unit.

After use, the probe tip can be discarded or returned to one of theopenings in the tip tray and the actuator actuated to release the latchfrom the probe tip, which facilitates release of the probe tip from theprobe unit. Thereafter, the same or a different probe tip can beattached to the probe unit by repeating the above steps. While probetray 260 is shown as including four openings housing four probe tips,the probe tray can include more or fewer openings for housing more orfewer probe tips. In this implementation, the probe tips are cartridgedevices where the cartridges can easily be attached and detached fromthe probe unit.

The probe tips can be maintained in a hygienic or sterile environment inthe probe tray prior to use of the probe tips. After use, the used probetip can be discarded and a different probe tip that is sterile can beretrieved from the probe tray and attached to the probe unit.

In an implementation, a tissue oximeter that includes a base unit andcable connected probe is adapted for use with detachable probe tips. Thedetachable probe tips can be coupled to and decoupled from the cableconnected probe as described above. Such coupling and decoupling allowsfor not only the base unit to be repeatedly used with a number ofpatients, the cable connected probe can similarly be used with a numberof patients where the probe tip may be changed for use with eachpatient.

The probe tip can be detached from the probe unit and replaced by theuser with another probe tip. This allows the probe unit to be reusedwith multiple disposable probe tips. For example, after using a sterileor clean first probe tip with a first patient, the user can detach thefirst probe tip and dispose of or clean the first probe tip. Then theuser can attach a sterile or clean second probe tip to use for a secondpatient. By having replaceable probe tips, this allows for probe unit tobe used multiple times without being disposed of, which reduces cost ofuse. Further, the more expensive elements (e.g., electronic components)of the oximeter probe can be located in the reusable probe unit and theless expensive elements can be located in the probe tip further reducingthe cost of use.

Further, different types of probe tips can be supplied for specific usesor purposes. For example, there may be specific probe tips withdifferent orientations, different numbers or types of sensors anddetectors for different tissue types or measuring different locations(e.g., external and external uses) in the body. In an implementation, afirst probe tip used with the probe unit can have a first configurationof sources and detectors and a second probe tip used with the probe unitcan have a second configuration where the first and secondconfigurations are different configuration. The different configurationsof sources and detectors can include different distances between atleast one source and one detector of the first and secondconfigurations. The different source to detector configurations can beused for probing different tissue depths (e.g., depth from tissuesurface into the tissue) of tissue. For example, relatively large sourceto detector separations of a first probe tip can be used for probingrelatively deep tissue depths, and shorter to detector spacing can beused to probe shallower tissue depths. In some implentations, differentsource wavelengths are used with the different configurations of sourcesand detector to facilitate probing the different tissue depths, such asusing relatively long wavelength (e.g., IR) for deeper tissue depthprobing and shorter wavelengths (e.g., visible and IR or shorterwavelength IR) for shallower tissue depth probing. The source todetector separations can vary from about 0.5 millimeters to about 10millimeters.

FIG. 1D show the probe tip coupled to the probe unit and shows theoximeter probe in use, being gripped by a hand of a user. FIG. 1D showsthe grip locations for the thumb and middle finger on the probe tip sothe fingers and hand do not obstruct the view of the display and thetissue being probed by the probe. The index finger is against a side ofthe device (e.g., probe tip), while the ring finger and pinky are pointaway from the sensor head, toward the back of the device. The probe unit(e.g., probe unit housing) and the probe tip (e.g., probe tip housing)held together form the operating oximeter probe. A hand of a user holdsthe oximeter probe, such that the thumb and index finger of the userwill grip the probe tip (e.g., probe tip housing) while the probe unit(e.g., probe unit housing) is cradled by a webbing between the thumb andindex finger of the same hand. In the oximeter probe formed by the probeunit and the probe tip, the display and probe face of the probe tip faceaway from each other. Further, with the hand holding the oximeterdevice, with the probe face on tissue to be measured the display isdirected away from the tissue (e.g., up) and does is located back fromthe probe face, such that the probe tip and tissue that is beingmeasured is not blocked (e.g., visually obstructed) by the probe unitand display. The display directed away from the probe face is viewableby a user during use of the oximeter probe.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an oximeter probe that has a number ofelectronic components, such as the sources and detectors, located in theprobe unit and passive optical devices located in the probe tip. Theattachment mechanisms of the probe unit and probe tip physically connectand disconnect as described and provide optical coupling between theprobe unit and probe tip for transferring radiation signal between theprobe unit and probe tip. The probe unit can include a number of otherelectronic components, such as a processor, memories, and othercomponents.

The sources in the probe unit can be LEDs, OLEDs, quantum dot LEDs,laser diodes, or other diode types. The detectors can be photodetectors,such as photodiodes, photoresistors, phototransistors, quantum dotphotodiodes, reverse biased LEDs, CMOS detectors, or other detectortypes.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an oximeter probe where the sources anddetectors are located in the probe tip while other electronic componentsare located in the probe unit. In this implementation, the attachmentmechanisms both include electrical connectors for transferringelectrical signals from the electronic components (e.g., the processor)in the probe unit to the sources and for receiving electrical signalsgenerated and transmitted by the detectors for reflected radiationreceived from the tissue.

The electrical connectors of the probe unit electrically couple with theelectrical connectors of the detachable probe tip when the probe unitand the detachable probe tip are coupled, such as when the detachableprobe tip is slid onto the probe unit and an edge of one of thedetachable probe tip and probe unit contacts a lip of the other of theprobe tip and probe unit. The electrical connectors decouple when thedetachable probe tip is detached from the probe unit. When a differentdetachable probe tip is coupled to the probe unit, the electricalconnectors of the different detachable probe tip electrically coupledwith the electrical connectors of the probe unit.

The electrical connectors can also transfer power supplied from abattery that is located in the probe unit to the sources and detectorsthat are located in the probe tip to power the sources and detectors.The source and detectors can transmit and receive light (e.g., infraredlight) via one or more passive optical elements, which might include aprotective epoxy layer (e.g., a 100 micrometer to 150 micrometer epoxylayer) that is posited over the sources and detectors, one or morelenses, or other classical optics devices. An outer surface of the epoxylayer can be the face of the probe tip that contacts tissue to be probedby the oximeter.

FIGS. 4A-4B show a flow diagram 400 for the operation of an oximeterprobe where optical signals are transferred between the probe unit andthe probe tip. Steps can be added to the flow diagram, removed from theflow diagram, or combined without deviating from the scope of theimplementation.

At 403, a detachable sensor probe (e.g., probe tip) is attached to thesystem unit to form an operational oximeter probe. At 405, the sensorprobe is contacted to target tissue for with a tissue reading is to bemade, such as blood oxygen saturation measurement. At 407, the systemunit LED generated radiation that is transmitted (at 409) into thedetachable sensor probe.

At 411, the source structures (e.g., light transmission ports) in aprobe face (e.g., an optical sensor) of the probe tip that are opticallycoupled, such as via waveguides (e.g., optical fibers to the sources,such as LEDs) of the sensor probe transmit the generated radiationsignal into the target issue to be measured. At 413, the detectorstructures (e.g., light receiving ports on the probe face of the probetip that are optically coupled to the photodetectors) of detachablesensor probe detect radiation reflected from the target tissue.

At 415, the detachable sensor probe transmits the detected radiation tothe system unit, which calculates oxygen saturation of target tissueusing the reflected radiation (at 417). At 419, the system unit displaysan indicator for the calculated oxygen saturation on the display of theunit.

At 421, the detachable sensor probe is detached from system unit and canbe disposed of or saved for later use. Thereafter, steps 403 to 421 canbe repeated using second detachable sensor probe that is a differencesensor probe from the first sensor probe, or the first sensor probe, ifsaved, can be reattached to the probe unit for addition use.

FIGS. 5A-5B show a flow diagram 500 for the operation of an oximeterprobe where electrical signals and power are transferred between theprobe unit and the probe tip. Steps can be added to the flow diagram,removed from the flow diagram, or combined without deviating from thescope of the implementation.

At 501, a detachable sensor probe is attached to the system unit. At505, the sensor probe is contacted to target tissue for with a tissuereading is to be made, such as blood oxygen saturation measurement. At507, the system unit transfers battery power to the detachable sensorprobe for powering the electronic components (e.g., LEDs, photodetector,transimpedance amplifiers, or other components) of the probe. At 509,the system unit generates and transmits electronic control signals tothe detachable sensor probe.

At 511, the LEDs of detachable sensor probe receive and transform theelectronic control signals to radiation and transmit the radiation tothe source structures of the probe tip. At 513, the source structures ofthe detachable sensor probe transmit the generated radiation to thetarget tissue.

At 515, the detector structures of the detachable sensor probe detectthe radiation reflected from the target tissue. At 517, thephotodetectors receives and transforms the reflected radiation intoelectrical signals. Thereafter at 519, the detachable sensor probetransmits electrical signals generated by the photodetector to thesystem unit via one or more electronic elements, such as thetransimpedance amplifiers, which transform the current signals intovoltage signals.

At 521, the system unit calculates an oxygen saturation value for thetarget tissue using the electrical signals received from the detachablesensor probe. At 523, the system unit displays an indicator for thecalculated oxygen saturation value on the display of the system unit.

At 525, the detachable sensor probe is detached from the system unit andis dispose of or saved for later use. Thereafter, steps 503 to 423 canbe repeated using second detachable sensor probe that is a differencesensor probe from the first sensor probe, or the first sensor probe, ifsaved, can be reattached to the probe unit for addition use.

This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise form described, and manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the teachingabove. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical applications.This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilizeand practice the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope of theinvention is defined by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: providing a housingfor an oximeter device; enclosing within the housing a processor,memory, and battery, wherein the processor is electrically coupled tothe memory; coupling a display to the housing, wherein the display isviewable from an exterior of the enclosure, and the display iselectrically coupled to the processor; electrically coupling the batteryto the processor, memory, and display; forming a first connector at endof the housing, wherein the first connector comprises at least oneelectrical connector that is electrically coupled to the processor andbattery; and providing a first probe tip for the oximeter device,wherein the first probe tip is removably coupled to the housing, and thefirst probe tip comprises first sources, first detectors, first sourcestructures, first detector structures, and a second connector, and thefirst source structures and first detector structures are positioned ona first probe face of the first probe tip in an arrangement, the firstsources are optically coupled to the first source structures, the firstdetectors are optically coupled to the first detector structures, andthe second connector comprises at least one electrical connector that iselectrically coupled first sources and first detectors, when the firstprobe tip is coupled to the housing, the second connector of the probetip couples to the first connector of the housing, which results in theprocessor and battery being electrically coupled to the first sourcestructures and first detector structures via the electrical connectorsof the first and second connectors, and the first probe tip can bedecoupled from the housing and replaced with a second probe tip.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein when the first probe tip is coupled to thehousing, the first connector is latched to the second connector.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the first connector comprises a latch and thesecond connector comprises a receptacle for the latch.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the second probe tip comprises a different arrangementof source and detector structures from the first probe tip.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 wherein to make an oxygen saturation measurement, thefirst probe tip is placed against a tissue to be measured and the oxygensaturation measurement is shown on the display.
 6. The method of claim 1wherein the first sources emit infrared radiation.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the first probe tip comprises a protective layer,covering the first sources, first detectors, first source structures,and first detector structures.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein theprotective layer comprises a thickness from about 100 microns to about150 microns.
 9. A method comprising: providing a housing for an oximeterdevice; enclosing within the housing a processor, memory, sources,detectors, battery, wherein the processor is electrically coupled to thememory, sources, and detectors; coupling a display to the housing,wherein the display is viewable from an exterior of the enclosure, andthe display is electrically coupled to the processor; electricallycoupling the battery to the processor, memory, sources, detectors, anddisplay; forming a first connector at end of the housing, wherein thefirst connector comprises at least one connector that is coupled to thesources and detectors; and providing a first probe tip for the oximeterdevice, wherein the first probe tip is removably coupled to the housing,and the first probe tip comprises first source structures, firstdetector structures, and a second connector, and the first sourcestructures and first detector structures are positioned on a first probeface of the first probe tip in an arrangement, when the first probe tipis coupled to the housing, the second connector of the probe tip couplesto the first connector of the housing, which results the sources beingcoupled to the first source structures, and the detectors being couplesto the first detector structures, and the first probe tip can bedecoupled from the housing and replaced with a second probe tip.
 10. Themethod of claim 9 wherein when the first probe tip is coupled to thehousing, the sources are optically coupled to the first sourcestructures, and the detectors are optically coupled to the firstdetector structures.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein when the firstprobe tip is coupled to the housing, the first connector is latched tothe second connector.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein the firstconnector comprises a latch and the second connector comprises areceptacle for the latch.
 13. The method of claim 9 wherein the secondprobe tip comprises a different arrangement of source and detectorstructures from the first probe tip.
 14. The method of claim 9 whereinto make an oxygen saturation measurement, the first probe tip is placedagainst a tissue to be measured and the oxygen saturation measurement isshown on the display.
 15. The method of claim 9 wherein the sources emitinfrared radiation.
 16. The method of claim 9 wherein the first probetip comprises a protective layer, covering the first source structuresand first detector structures.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein theprotective layer comprises a thickness from about 100 microns to about150 microns.
 18. A method comprising: enclosing a processor, memory, andbattery in a first portion of an oximeter device, wherein the firstportion does not include a probe face, the processor is coupled to thememory, the battery is coupled to the processor and memory, and a firstconnector is formed at an end of the handle portion; providing a tipportion of the oximeter device comprising a probe face and a secondconnector, wherein the tip portion can be coupled to the handle portionby coupling the second connector to the first connector, and sourcestructures and detector structures are formed on the probe face, whentip portion is coupled to the first portion, the oximeter device canmake an oxygen saturation measurement by way of light being emitted viathe source structures of the probe face into a tissue to be measured,reflected light being detected via the detector structures of the probeface, and the processor in the handle portion calculating the oxygensaturation measurement based on the emitted light and detected reflectedlight, and after the oxygen saturation measurement has been made, thetip portion can be decoupled from the first portion and replaced with adifferent tip portion.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the tipportion comprises sources and detectors, and via the first and secondconnectors, the sources and detectors are electrically coupled to theprocessor and battery of the first portion.
 20. The method of claim 18wherein the first portion comprises sources and detectors that arecoupled to the processor and battery, and via the first and secondconnectors, the sources and detectors are optically coupled to thesource structures and detector structures of the tip portion.